Sources who have spoken to Sir Tony say he feels the Government has no clear plan for reform.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure after reports that Sir Tony Blair has become increasingly frustrated with the direction of the Labour Government. Friends of the former Prime Minister say he is concerned about the lack of major reform and has started focusing on future leadership campaigns.
Sir Tony’s think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), is now drawing up a wide-ranging policy plan aimed at “renewing Britain”. The blueprint includes proposals on healthcare, welfare and technology and is designed with the future of the party in mind. Some Labour MPs believe the document could be used by potential leadership contenders if the party suffers poor results in next year’s local elections.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure (Image: Getty)
There is no formal challenge under way, but concerns across the party have been growing in recent months.
Sources who have spoken to Sir Tony say he feels the Government has no clear plan for reform.
According to The Times, he has “given up” trying to influence Sir Keir directly and is instead paying close attention to possible challengers.
One friend told the newspaper that last week’s Budget “killed any idea this is a Blairite or New Labour-style government”.
They also said some senior figures may still be involved in shaping policy but insisted there is “no overarching plan” driving change.
Friends of Tony Blair say he is concerned about the lack of major reform (Image: Getty)
Sir Tony has taken part in several discussions about the country’s economic direction, including concerns about high taxes.
He is reported to have singled out the 40% income tax band when speaking to the authors of a recent report linked to his think tank.
TBI is now working with other centre-left groups to create a new package of ideas for the party.
Labour insiders say the plan could become a key part of any future leadership race if a contest is triggered.
Sir Tony is also due to appear at an event this week with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who some MPs believe could become a contender.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also being mentioned as one of the most likely names. Angela Rayner is thought to have influence but is not expected to run.
Sir Tony has spoken publicly about some of his concerns before. In April, a TBI report said the Government’s net-zero plans were “irrational” and risked failing without major changes. The think tank later stressed that the comments were about policy, not aimed personally at Sir Keir or his ministers.
Moderate Labour MPs have also raised concerns about what they see as a shift to the left, pointing to Rachel Reeves’s £26billion tax package and higher welfare spending.
Downing Street allies say Sir Keir would fight to remain leader if a challenge did emerge.
